Forbes Travel Guide performs independent, incognito inspections of all hotels we rate. This is what we paid when we stayed at this hotel.

Rates can vary widely by room type and season. "We Paid" is intended to give a general sense of price, but you might find considerably different rates for your trip.

When we book, we aim for the optimum season for the destination, but we avoid holidays and major public events, when prices are highest. We generally book a room at one category up from the most basic.

We take advantage of promotional rates, when possible. That means the rate you see above might have included other benefits, such as spa or meal credits.

The Spa at Rancho Valencia

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We created the original Five-Star rating system in 1958, when we were Mobil Travel Guide.

Five-StarThese are outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.

Four-StarThese are exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match.

RecommendedThese are excellent properties with consistently good service and facilities.

Soon To Be RatedAs our highly trained, incognito inspectors work to assess properties, our editors check them out ahead of time and provide a sneak preview of what to expect.

Following Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa’s $30 million renovation, The Spa at Rancho Valencia reopened to debut 10 beautifully appointed treatment rooms, an expanded yoga pavilion, a state-of-the art gym, a shop and a luxurious new spa menu.

The fresh menu features a variety of wellness treatments calibrated to relax, refresh and renew mind, body and spirit. Multi-service rituals use top-of-the-line, organic skincare products combined with expert application to deliver a series of enriching treatments.

Spa-goers can indulge in lavish body treatments such as salt scrubs, soothing bath soaks and herb-laced body wraps. Firming facials, couples' treatments, a full menu of nail services and an expansive selection of massage and touch therapies are also available.

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Our Inspector's Highlights

The Mediterranean-meets-hacienda-inspired spa embraces San Diego’s gorgeous weather with a number of outdoor amenities, including three therapeutic pools maintained at various temperatures. The Contrast Hydrotherapy Circuit is not to be missed.

Inside the San Diego spa, you’ll find 10 treatment rooms. While they all include private patios and fireplaces, nine of them also have deep alfresco soaking tubs and luxurious rain showers.

The 1,000-square-foot Balinese-inspired yoga pavilion is partially outdoors and is bordered by a serene and beautiful reflecting pond. The soothing sound of water adds a touch of tranquility to the lineup of sessions, which includes hot yoga.

Couples can luxuriate in a wide array of packages that may include a relaxing bath or custom-blended clay-and-oil body masks followed by massages performed in tandem.

Expectant mothers can join in on the spa fun with the mommy-to-be treatment, which provides a pre-natal pampering. Supportive props and pillows are provided for safety and comfort.

Things to Know

If you’re looking to get an appointment at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star spa, note that it is open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily.

Reservations are easily made by dialing the spa concierge or sending an email.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointed treatment time to fully enjoy the luxurious facilities.

Also, be sure to bring appropriate bathing attire for the wet areas.

Don’t feel like trekking over to the spa? Opt to have a therapist visit your casita for an in-room massage.

The Treatments

Massage options include the hot stone treatment, which incorporates gentle manual kneading with the penetrating heat of warm stones placed along pressure points to improve circulation and ease aches and tension.

Two couples’ suites come equipped with patios that boast dual showers along with generously proportioned tubs perfect for baths in tandem. Other lavish details include side-by-side treatment tables and glowing fireplaces that fan the flames of romance.

Pre- or post-pampering workouts can be had in the renovated gym, or opt to sweat it all out in the coed steam rooms or saunas.